Into the Shangri La

12 Nights from $6920

Highlights

Destinations
Beijing, Xi’an, Lijiang, Zhondian, Shanghai

Your Itinerary Includes

Internal coach class air in China
All round trip private airport transfers
3 nights Beijing at The Peninsula
Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and Court Cuisine private full day tour
Great Wall at Mutianyu and Ming Tombs private full day tour
1 night Xi’an at Sofitel on Renmin Square
Terracotta Warriors private half day tour
3 nights Lijiang at Banyan Tree Lijiang
Lijiang Old Town private half day tour
Jade Dragon Snow Mountain private trek
Overland private transfer from Lijiang to Ringha (via Tiger Leaping Gorge)
3 nights Zhongdian Banyan Tree Ringha
Shu Du Gang private acclimatization trek
Sonzanlin Lamasery private tour
2 nights Shanghai at Four Seasons
Bund, Yu Gardens and Jade Buddha private full day tour
12 breakfasts 4 lunches

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Day-By-Day Itinerary

This itinerary can be fully customized; to tailor this package to your specific requirements please call one of our travel specialists at 1-800-22-SWAIN.

Day 1 Fly USA to Beijing

Day 2 Welcome to Beijing, China
On arrival you will be met and transferred by private vehicle to your hotel.

For centuries, Beijing has played a major role in China's imperial rule. It was Kublai Khan, a grandson of Genghis Khan, who reunified the Chinese territories and transferred the capital to Beijing during the 13th century. Beijing was not only a lasting imperial city, but also a thriving trading city that served as the easternmost terminus of the caravan routes of the Silk Road.

Today, Beijing remains as it was centuries ago – a great center of power and commerce. It is a bustling metropolis of soaring high-rises, gaudy billboards, teeming highways and a growing international stature. Although a number of Beijing's historical sites are slowly being preserved, many of the city's ancient neighborhoods have been razed in recent years to make way for glitzy commercial skyscrapers and apartment blocks. Nevertheless, Kublai Khan's imperial spirit remains in the Forbidden City, Tiananmen Square, the Great Wall and the Summer Palace.

Day 3 Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven & Court Cuisine
This morning depart your hotel for magnificent Tiananmen Square, the largest public square in the world, where Mao's picture hangs over the rostrum at the entrance of the Imperial Forbidden City. Walk in the steps of ancient emperors as you tour the powerful Forbidden City, hidden from public view for over 500 years. This is where Chinese emperors resided and ruled the country for 700 years until the year of 1911.

The Imperial Palace provides outstanding examples of the greatest palatial architectural ensembles in China. They illustrate the grandeur of the imperial institution from the Qing Dynasty to the earlier Ming and Yuan dynasties, as well as Manchu traditions, and present evidence on the evolution of this architecture in the 17th and 18th centuries.

Continue to the masterpiece Temple of Heaven, an embodiment of grace and harmony. This is where Ming and Qing emperors prayed for good harvest and it is the largest temple complex remaining in China today. The pomp and grandeur of imperial China lives on in this historic landmark so integral to the nation's soul.

Lunch is at Beijing Fang Shan Restaurant. Set in Bei Hai Park a former imperial garden, Beijing Fang Shan Restaurant offers exquisite food from former Chinese dynasties. Waitresses in period garb lead you to the main dining room, which is splendid, with high painted ceilings and traditional Chinese art.

Day 4 Great Wall at Mutianyu with Ming Tombs
A walk along the Great Wall of China ranks high on the wish list of many travelers and today's excursion will confirm it is one of the world's greatest travel experiences. Travel 43 miles (70 kilometers) by private vehicle northeast of Beijing to the Mutianyu section of the Great Wall, known for its beautiful surroundings of dense woods and rich pastures changing colors with each season of the year.

It winds its way over a thousand meters to the crest of a mountain before turning sharply and dipping downhill, forming a triangle known as 'Ox-Horn Wall'. Linger at the towers and broad promenades; contemplate on the spectacular scenery and the lives lost in building this monumental construction that never truly fulfilled its purpose. There is ample time to stroll along its ancient stone promenade and photograph the wall as it winds across impossibly steep mountain areas. A cable car is available to help visitors and is included in today's tour.

Following a local Chinese lunch, drive to the Ming Tombs, which lie in a valley to the south of the Tianshou Mountains in Changping district, about 30 miles (48 km) northwest of Beijing. The tombs are set into the hillsides sheltering well-preserved artifacts of 13 emperors from the Ming Dynasty (1368-1644 AD). The entire tomb site is surrounded by a four mile (seven km) road named the 'Spirit Way' that leads into the complex which is one of the finest preserved pieces of 15th century Chinese art and architecture.

The main tomb of Emperor Wanli (1562-1620 AD) is open to the public for exploration; some sections have yet to be excavated. The Ming and Qing Tombs are dazzling illustrations of the beliefs, world view, and geomantic theories of Fengshui prevalent in feudal China. They have served as burial edifices for illustrious personages and as the theatre for major events that have marked the history of China.

Day 5 Fly Beijing to Xi’an
On arrival you will be met and transferred private vehicle to your hotel.

In 1974 a farmer from the dusty town of Lintong was digging a well when he unearthed a chamber that housed one of the most significant archaeological discoveries of the 20th century. Today the ancient army of more than 7,000 life-sized terracotta soldiers that guard the entombed Emperor Qin Shihuang is considered the “eighth wonder of the world”.

Half Day Terracotta Museum
Transfer by private vehicle to the Mausoleum of the First Qin Emperor, home of the world renowned Terracotta Army, an archeological site of unimaginable size and importance. No doubt thousands of statues still remain to be unearthed at this archaeological site, which was not discovered until 1974. Qin (d. 210 B.C.), the first unifier of China, is buried, surrounded by the famous terracotta warriors, at the centre of a complex designed to mirror the urban plan of the capital, Xianyan. The small figures are all different; with their horses, chariots and weapons, they are masterpieces of realism and also of great historical interest.

The statues remain where they were uncovered, protected by a large (3.7-acre/1.5-hectare) hangar-like hall. Individual soldiers can be studied more closely in a museum exhibit in an adjacent building. Following your visit you will be returned back to your hotel.

Day 6 Fly Xi’an to Lijiang (Via Chengdu)
On arrival you will be met and transferred private vehicle to your hotel.

A jewel in southern China, Lijiang is set among snow capped mountains that provide an enchanting backdrop to the ancient city. Lijiang has a daily market in its Old Town: Get there early in the morning to see the full variety of tribespeople that Yunnan province is known for, and then spend some time walking the narrow cobblestone streets. Although the place has become a bit of a backpacker, granola-trail tourist trap as of late, the place is well worth a visit-the fantastic view of the Yulong Mountain (Jade Dragon Mountain), pristine air and fresh food are unrivaled in China.

The matriarchal Naxi tribe, which makes up most of the population, has preserved a powerful form of music which has been passed down from generation to generation.

For a great view of the area, take a cable car up the mountain to an altitude of 13,000 feet.

Day 7 Old Town City Tour
Depart the Banyan Tree by hotel transport and explore the fascinating alleyways and evocative labyrinth of cobblestone paths of Dayan old town - a well-preserved UNESCO site. Walk through the atmospheric old streets, where stately canals, flowering willow trees and Naxi-styled houses jostle for space with travelers in search of sheer architectural splendor. At the tour's conclusion you will be returned to the hotel.

Day 8 Jade Dragon Snow Mountain Trek
Depart this morning by Banyan Tree transportation. Resembling a sleeping dragon in repose, Jade Dragon Snow Mountain slumbers majestically at 18,000 feet above sea level. Its main peak, Shanzidou stands among some of the tallest glaciers in the world. Springtime in this corner of Shangri-La erupts in a frisson of color, dotting the soft meadows with vivid bursts of camellias and rhododendrons.

Follow the trail of nomadic herders as they lead their livestock and yaks to graze at Yak Meadow. Or revisit the traditional customs of the minority Naxi, Lishu, Pumi and Moshuo people. A Lishu shaman’s knife mountain climbing ritual and a fire sea jumping ceremony are other unmissable highlights of the tour.

Day 9 Transfer Lijiang to Banyan Tree Ringha
A scenic transfer from Banyan Tree Lijiang to Banyan Tree Ringha includes a stopover at Tiger Leaping Gorge, a steep cliff located between the Jade Dragon Snow Mountain of Lijiang and the Haba Snow Mountain of Shangri-La. This deepest gorge in the world takes the breath away with its echo of gushing rapids from the Golden Sands River below.

Day 10 Shu Du Gang Acclimatization Trek
This Acclimatization Trek traces the meandering course of Ringha’s holy river away from the vast plain of the valley into the mountains. We recommend this preparatory trek to first time hikers who want to sample the trekking experience in Shangri-la.

The trail winds through a mixture of pine forest and cherry trees that are much loved for their blossoms in spring. Walking along the edge of the mountain high above the river, you will be mesmerized by the inspiring sound of water rushing beneath you.

This trek allows you to experience the diverse highland landscapes of this fascinating Ringha valley. Today's trek is three hours and is rated easy.

Day 11 Songzanlin Lamasery Tour
Only 10 miles west of Banyan Tree Ringha is Ganden Songzanlin Lamasery, the largest Tibetan Buddhist lamasery in Yunnan Province and one of the 13 famous monasteries of Tibetan Kham. The monastery was built in 1674 with the support of the Fifth Dalai Lama and Emperor Kangxi.

In the Qing Dynasty, Emperor Yongzheng gave it a Chinese name - Guihua Lamasery. Occupying an area of 33.3 hectares, Songzanlin was built in the style of Potala Palace in Lhasa and hosts many precious cultural treasures. The tour includes a visit of the Main Prayer Hall and a chance to receive blessings from the High Lama, who occasionally bestows Tibetan Blessing Scarfs - Khada - on pilgrims and visitors.

After visiting the monastery you will be driven to the valley at the base of Shiga Mountain for a walk on the edge of the Napa Flood Plains, stopping in villages on the way. Here you can spot the migrating black-neck cranes in the winter months, before continuing your journey to Dukezhong old town for lunch.

A lunch of local flavors and delicacies is included in today's 3-4 hour tour by 4WD vehicle.

Day 12 Fly Diqing to Shanghai (Via Kunming)
On arrival you will be met and transferred private vehicle to your hotel.

Just mentioning the name Shanghai conjures images of romance, mystery and adventure. But you need only stand in the city's historic Bund and look across the Huangpu River to see the high-tech Oriental Pearl TV Tower looming over the ambitious Pudong Development Area like a space rocket. Alongside the glittering, 88-story Jinmao Building and the futuristic, cubic Shanghai Stock Exchange, the 1,377-ft/420-m tower is a symbol of this modern city and its mission-to embrace the challenges of the new millennium and become one of the world's great commercial centers. If Shanghai succeeds, it will be a return to glory days of old.

Shanghai's quaint European architecture, flashy nightlife venues and sophisticated elegance often surprise visitors from overseas. The city offers a fascinating glimpse into China's potential. Save some energy to experience some of its fantastic nightlife-from an exquisite dinner at M on the Bund, to clubbing throughout the French concession's cornucopia of night time extremes – the place pulsates with an energy all its own. A night time stroll on the Bund is a must.

Day 13 Shanghai Bund with Jade Buddha and Yu Gardens
Which ever nickname you prefer, 'Paris of the Orient' or 'Pearl of China', Shanghai captures the essence of new China, as well as its centuries of history and culture. Your tour begins with classic sights from the Ming and Qing dynasties, when you visit the enchanting Yuyuan Garden and Shanghai Old Street. The tour then stops at the Bund on Shanghai's waterfront, a showcase of pre-1949 architecture. Here you'll tour the Museum of Ancient Chinese Art and its collection of more than 120,000 precious and rare works.

After lunch is a drive along the former French Concession District, characterized by beautiful, tree-lined streets and weathered European architecture. You have the option to visit the Arts and Crafts Shop and bargain for all kinds of traditional Chinese arts and crafts. Next you'll visit the Jade Buddha Temple with its priceless collection of jade statues from Burma. Finally, you'll be able to stretch your legs in Shanghai's hottest new entertainment district, Xin Tian Di. The brick buildings on these two-square blocks have been preserved and transformed into trendy clubs, restaurants and boutiques. You will have time on your own here, or can be transferred back to your hotel.

Day 14 Fly Shanghai to USA

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Hotels

For more information about the hotels visited in this itinerary please click the hotel name below.

City	Standard	Superior	Deluxe	Luxury

Beijing	-	-	-	The Peninsula

Xi'an	-	-	-	Sofitel on Renmin Square

Lijiang	-	-	-	Banyan Tree Lijiang

Zhongdian	-	-	-	Banyan Tree Ringha

Shanghai	-	-	-	Four Seasons

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Pricing

To determine pricing for your tour select the appropriate travel season and desired accommodation level from the table below.

	Standard	Superior	Deluxe	Luxury

4/1/10-4/30/10	-	-	-	$7240

5/1/10-5/31/10	-	-	-	$7480

6/1/10-6/30/10	-	-	-	$7400

7/1/10-7/31/10	-	-	-	$7330

8/1/10-8/31/10	-	-	-	$7460

9/1/10-10/31/10	-	-	-	$7480

11/1/10-11/30/10	-	-	-	$7280

12/1/10-1/31/11	-	-	-	$7190

2/1/11-2/28/11	-	-	-	$6920

3/1/11-3/31/11	-	-	-	$7260

Single Traveler Supplement from	-	-	-	$4900

Single Room Supplement from	-	-	-	$2510

International Airfare Pricing
Routing: LAX or SFO-PEK/SHA-LAX or SFO

4/1/10-5/28/10, 8/17/10-10/25/10, 2/5/11-2/11/11, 3/12/11-3/31/11				$1320

5/29/10-6/18/10, 7/20/10-8/16/10, 12/11/10-12/24/10				$1580

6/19/10-7/19/10				$1730

10/26/10-12/11/10, 12/25/10-2/4/11, 2/12/11-3/11/10				$1180

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Terms & Conditions

*Prices are per person, twin/double share in USD. Travel may be restricted to certain days of the week and be available from one or multiple US departure points. Add on fares are available from most US cities and surcharges may be applicable for travel on particular days of the week. Seats are limited and may not be available on every flight. Hotels and tours remain subject to availability. US and Foreign Govt. taxes and fees vary depending on the itinerary selected and may range from $90 to $395 per person. Passenger Facility Charges of up to $18 per person and the September 11th Security Fee of up to $10 per person, are not included. After ticketing changes may not be permissible in some circumstances, or a change fee may be applied. Cancellation penalties and other booking or alteration restrictions may exist. Please note that some air segments may be served by an associated carrier. Full payment for special deals may be required within a number of days of the reservation being made as nominated by your consultant at the time of booking (or 60 days prior to departure). Please note blackout dates may apply to Christmas, New Year and local special event periods. Prices indicated remain subject to change without notice. Group inquiries are welcome however specials remain subject to hotel and airline capacity control and therefore may not be applicable for group travel. The best deal available for group travel will always be given in lieu of the offer indicated. Unless otherwise indicated all travel must be completed by March 31, 2011 if not before. CST #2012413-20 See our Complete Terms and Conditions.

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